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Abstract
The use of polymers to provide controlled long-term delivery of drugs and other chemicals is a rapidly emerging field. This review focuses primarily on the applications of these polymeric systems, and their release mechanisms. Examples of applications include clinical, pharmaceutical, biological, agricultural, environmental, and household uses. Release mechanisms considered are diffusive (reservoirs, matrices), chemical (biocrosion, pendent chain), swelling, and magnetic control of drug release from polymers. Advantages and disadvantages of controlled-release technology, and approaches for developing and testing effective polymeric delivery systems arediscussed.